Thousands Injured, Dozens Killed in Riots After Monumental Day for U.S. in Israel

In December, President Trump made a monumental decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Additionally, he announced that he would be moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

After the announcement was made, thousands of people began voicing their opinions, both positive and negative. Those that praised President Trump for the decision focused on the biblical history of Israel and said that Jerusalem rightfully belongs to Israel. Those opposed said that the decision may cause violence, as they claimed it dismisses the rights of Palestinians.

Now, on Monday, the U.S. Embassy has officially moved to Jerusalem. A delegation of 250 members,including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, were present for the historic move.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “I’m thrilled to be here on behalf of the president. It’s a big day- moving the embassy here. Seventy years in the making. We’re thrilled to be here representing the president to do this.”

While many people have been supportive of the move, many others have been participating in extreme protests. Now, reports have emerged about the shocking number of injuries from these riots.

The mass protests reportedly began as early as March 30, but on Monday when the official move was made, an extreme number of injuries took place.

According to the New York Times, over 2,700 Palestinian demonstrators were injured on Monday. At least 55 people died. 1,350 of those injured were injured by gunfire. The health minister reported that the intense riots took place along the border fence with Gaza.

The attacks began when thousands of Palestinians attempted to cross the border that separates Israel from Gaza to disrupt the move of the U.S. Embassy.

During the ceremony dedicating the new Embassy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We are in Jerusalem and we are here to stay. We are here in Jerusalem protected by the great soldiers of the army of Israel and our brave soldiers are protecting the border of Israel as we speak today.”

Sadly, many lives were lost in the demonstrations. We will continue to update as more information is revealed about the borders and about the developing situation in Israel.